Parable Of The Wedding Supper

God’s Son will be glorified, even if the Jews reject him.

Matthew 22:1-14

• Calling the called (v. 3).  Although foreign to our western sensibilities, having to issue a 2nd call to those already invited was quite common in Jewish culture.  Perhaps this willingness to issue a 2nd call was necessary because no one knew for certain at what hour the bridegroom would come to the wedding (compare Matthew 25:1-13).  Reminding folks of their commitments has become almost normal.
• But, like the king, I also become offended when the 2nd call goes forth and people do not respond. Admittedly, for some true emergencies may arise. But for many, they should have declined the initial invitation so that another could be given advance notice. In the parable, men choose to busy themselves with their own work rather than join the celebration of the king’s son’s wedding. Surely Jesus refers to the Jews who have been invited by the prophets to honor the Messiah; but now that the time has come to honor the Christ, the Jews would busy themselves with their own rituals and traditions.
• The king will not tolerate such rebellion and he will destroy the insolent and replace them with the willing, even if he must turn to those afar off, the uncultured Gentiles, to fill his house (v. 9). And so he instructs his servants to go to the other people; and they do.
• And what a group it is! None are worthy. But of these some are most unworthy. But the wedding is filled with people to honor the king’s son.
• Among this motley assortment is a man without the proper attire (v. 11). Since it was common for the host to provide a long white robe for anyone who arrived without one, (compare the fancy restaurants which provide jacket and/or tie for men), this improperly dressed guest is all the more culpable.
• His invitation accepted but his generosity rejected, the king is furious and questions the motives of the poorly dressed man (v. 12). Of course, there can be no defense; the man is speechless, and cast out.
• Proving again, that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

Meditation Points:

1. The Jews were invited into God’s kingdom by the prophets. They were invited a second time by John the Baptist and the apostles of Jesus.  For them to reject Christ was an offense to God which led to their being rejected by God and replaced by Gentiles.
2. The gospel goes indiscriminately to the world. Some who respond are still unconverted. They are without excuse, as God provides freely for all desire the righteousness of Christ as a covering for their sin. Why, then, do some still think that they can appear before God dressed in their own (un)righteousness?  It is no wonder that God is angry with them also.

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Show us your papers

When the chief priests, the scribes and the elders asked Jesus to validate his ministry, they did not expect the response he gave.

Mark 11:27-33

• Some nations are accustomed to the need to carry paper evidence of citizenship at all times.  Even Americans traveling abroad are advised to keep their passports with them. And if you go to a job interview, you might expect to be asked for a copy of and diplomas or advanced degrees that you possess.  But how many times will the Jews ask Jesus by what authority he preaches and heals (v. 27-28)?
• Instead of legitimatizing the question by answering it (again and again), Jesus proposed a question of his own: Was John the Baptist a prophet from God or from men (v. 29)?
• The Jews realized that they would be in trouble with God or the people no matter which way they answered this question (v. 31-33); so they said they COULD not tell.
• Since they WOULD not answer his question, Jesus WOULD not answer their question (v. 34)

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Behold, the fig tree…

When the disciples saw that the fig tree had dried up overnight, they were startled.

Mark 11:19-25

• Not just a few leaves or branches, but the whole tree, trunk and roots, had withered overnight (v. 20).
• Remembering what Jesus had said a day earlier, Peter called attention to the dead tree (v. 21).
• Jesus’ response?  “Have faith in God.” Does this impress you?  What might you see if you truly believed in God?
• Mountains (literal or figurative?) could be moved if you only had faith (v. 23).
• Believe when you pray, and you shall receive (v. 24).
• But do not pray with an unforgiving spirit in you, or you will fail in prayer (v. 25). If you forgive, then your Father in heaven may forgive you also.

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Isaiah And The Unbelievers

700 years before Christ, Isaiah spoke about those who would not believe in him.

John 12:37-50

Isaiah’s judgment (v. 37-43)

• How could they not believe?
• Isaiah asked the same question (v. 38; Isaiah 53:1; Acts 8:30; Romans 10:16).
• Answer: it was their nature not to believe (v. 40) and they were afraid of the consequences of believing (v. 42-43).

Judged by the words of Christ (v. 44-50)

• To see Jesus is to see God; to believe in Jesus is to believe in God (v. 44-45).
• Jesus is light, and he came to save men (v. 46-47).
• To reject Jesus is to request judgment upon oneself (v. 48).
• That judgment will be based on ones rebellion against the word of God (v. 49-50).

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